I just bought a new Cannondale Rush mountain bike, I love it, Went out this weekend riding on a local trail in Michigan. Anyway, I have a road bike also and I use clip-in pedals, I also have clip-ins on the mountain bike and it felt wrong. Should I use regular pedals? I felt the need to use my feet to navigate tight corners and also for fast bail-outs on my crashes. I would like your opinions. I can hang in there and get used to them, But I wonder if me being new to the sport would have any effect on what I should do. Thanks in advance for your inputs.....
Joe

using clipy pedals on mtn bikes is normal, but many people start out on platforms for safety, but as long as you have had them long enough to be able to get out fast its fine, i never put platforms on my mtn bike (roady first) cause i just can't stand riding without clipless, i slip off the pedals trying to spin. What pedals are you running now, if you have the shimano (or knock off) and u've tightened the screw down it may be tough for you to get out, either loosen the screw for mtn biking, or if you find yourself pulling out of the pedals and tightening the screw down to the point where u have trouble getting out you may want to look at getting better pedals, i really like crank bros

congrats on the new bike btw, i really like the rush, wanted to get one but it was more than i wanted to spend so i ended up with a caffeine 3

My first "real" bike was a mountain bike which came with clipless pedals. I don't know any different now and have felt odd when I forgot my shoes on the trail. I think if you keep up with the clipless, it will become second nature and you'll love them. I also agree with making sure the pedals aren't too tight and you can get out easily.

I have to admit, I didn't know where Grass Lake was and you have a few good trails within an hours drive or less. Mix it up and you'll have fun. MMBA is an awesome sight with links to various trails in MI. If you're interested in racing, PM me and we can discuss it.

Racing??? I just started, Thanks for the vote of confidence though! I will stick to the learning part for a while, I would really like to learn to do the basics first. Try a jump or two as well. I heard the trails at Fort Custer in Battle Creek where I work are some of the best around! I am making a canoe trip to Grayling Michigan this weekend as well, Any good trails in that immediate area?

Racing??? I just started, Thanks for the vote of confidence though! I will stick to the learning part for a while, I would really like to learn to do the basics first. Try a jump or two as well. I heard the trails at Fort Custer in Battle Creek where I work are some of the best around! I am making a canoe trip to Grayling Michigan this weekend as well, Any good trails in that immediate area?

That's why they have a beginner class... Really, it's a good way to meet a bunch of people with similar interests and have some fun. You can be as competitive as you want to be.

Anyway, Fort Custer is great place. You'll get some good experience there.